Media Release: Kevin Bridges stands up to homelessness by donating signature suit and famous jeans

SCOTS stand-up comedian, Kevin Bridges, dropped off a very special donation to a Shelter Scotland shop, after agreeing to take part in the charity’s summer clear out.

Hailed as the best Scottish stand-up since Billy Connolly, Kevin donated a signature black suit as well as an one-off customised pair of jeans worth hundreds of pounds which he hopes will sell from tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd July) to raise money in an online auctions for the housing and homelessness charity.

The suit, which Kevin wore during some of his most memorable comedy moments including a sell out date at the Glasgow SECC during the recording of his first live stand-up DVD, will be auctioned along with the custom-made Rabbie Denim jeans in an online Shelter Scotland shop on eBay.

The designer denims feature a special ‘K-Dogg’ emblem on the back pocket and were made during the comedian’s BBC One documentary, Kevin Bridges: What’s the Story?

Other top celebrities including Olly Murs, Alan Carr, Chrissie Hynde and Plan B have also raided their wardrobes to donate some of their fashion favourites to the online auction.

After popping in to Shelter Scotland’s Glasgow Botanics shop on Great Western Road, Kevin Bridges said:

“The online auction sounds like a great way to raise money. I wore this suit at the recording of my first DVD but I’ve lost a bit of weight since then, so anyone who was the same size as me three years ago, get bidding!

“Hopefully, people will bid generously on all the items to raise as much money as possible.

“Homelessness is a brutal ordeal so if you’ve got spare clothes or other stuff you simply don’t want or need, get down to Shelter Scotland and drop them off. It takes no time at all and gets rid of all your old Adidas button-up tracksuits and Magaluf 2008 T-shirts – it can make a real difference. Get donating and get bidding!”

Kevin’s suit and jeans will be displayed in the Shelter Scotland shop window at 679 Great Western Road throughout the auction. Fans are encouraged to go along to the shop to view the items in person and make bids online before the auction closes on Sunday 28th July.

Fans and bargain hunters will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bid on a range of signature items including an Olly Murs signed trilby hat and Chrissie Hynde’s Stella McCartney boots.

Other items include an Alexander McQueen jacket worn by comedian Alan Carr, fashionista Louise Roe’s 2013 Emmy’s red carpet dress, and a dress worn by former EastEnders actress Jo Joyner in her role as Tanya Branning.

The online auction will open via Shelter Scotland’s website from 9.00pm on Tuesday 23rd July. Bidding will end at 9.00pm on Sunday 28 July.

Shelter Scotland is urging members of the public to take inspiration from Kevin and its other celebrity supporters and donate their own pre-loved clothes, home wares or books to their nearest Shelter Scotland shop, where every penny raised goes towards helping families and individuals facing homelessness and bad housing.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said:

“We’re so grateful to Kevin and our other celebrity friends for their outpouring of support and hope the public will get behind us too and donate any old or unwanted items to their nearest Shelter Scotland shop.

“It costs just £10 for one of our experienced housing advisors to help a family in need through our free national helpline. We can raise that money by selling an unwanted dress, jumper or pair of shoes. No donation is too small and every penny will go towards helping people in housing need.”

Graeme Brown added:

“We have never needed the public’s support more, and are relying on their kindness and generosity to ensure that we can continue to offer vital services to people who desperately need our help.

“Unlike our famous friends, your donations don’t have to include a designer label. Whether they’re as good as new or have seen better days – all donations are welcome. There’s no easier way to help people across Scotland who are facing homelessness or living in bad housing.”

The online auction can be accessed via www.shelter.org.uk/sheltershops and will be open for bids from 9.00pm on Tuesday 23rd July – 9.00pm on Sunday 28 July.

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Notes to Editors:

1. Shelter Scotland helps over half a million people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness – and we campaign to prevent it in the first place. We’re here so no-one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own. For advice and support visit www.shelterscotland.org or call 0808 800 4444.
2. Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
3. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland

Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.